What You Really Need (and Don’t Need) When Traveling with a Baby on a Plane

Traveling with an infant for the first time can be both exciting and overwhelming. Before I took my baby on his first trip, I did what most parents do—I went on a shopping spree. I loaded up on all the baby gear that was supposed to make the journey smoother. But here's the thing: when the time actually came, I realized a lot of it wasn’t as useful as I thought it would be. Some of those purchases sat untouched, while a few essentials turned out to be absolute lifesavers.

So, if you're gearing up for your first trip with an infant, here’s a rundown of what I did and didn't end up using, to help you pack smarter and avoid unnecessary clutter.

What I Didn’t Use (But Thought I Would)

1. Noise-Cancelling Earmuffs: I was really excited about these. The idea of protecting my baby from loud noises during the flight sounded great in theory. But guess what? My little one had no interest in wearing them! He was either napping or focused on the things around him. The earmuffs just weren’t necessary, and I ended up leaving them in my bag the whole trip.

2. Sling Carrier: I was all about using a sling carrier for those times when I wanted to carry him hands-free, but it didn’t work out as expected. The material was uncomfortable for both of us, and I couldn’t get him settled in it. Instead, I found that my baby preferred being in a more structured carrier or stroller. So, while I wanted to love the sling, it just wasn’t a good fit for us.

What I Did Use and Love

1. Compact Travel Stroller: Hands down, this was one of the best purchases I made. A lightweight, compact travel stroller was a game-changer. Not only did it fold up easily to fit in the overhead compartment, but it also made navigating the airport a breeze. I could unfold it quickly and use it for those long waits at the gate. And let’s not forget how helpful it was once we landed and were on the go! If you're traveling with an infant, this is a must-have. I swear by the Baby Jogger City Tour 2 Ultra-Compact Travel Stroller.

2. Ergo Baby Carrier: While the sling carrier didn’t work for us, the Ergobaby Omni 360 Carrier was a lifesaver. I used it constantly during the trip. It was comfy for both me and my baby, and it allowed me to keep him close while still having my hands free for other tasks. Whether we were sightseeing or walking through the airport, this carrier gave me the freedom to move while keeping my baby happy and secure.

3. Stroller Fan: If you're traveling with a baby in a stroller, a stroller fan is an absolute must. I didn’t realize how much we would need it until we were stuck inside an unusually hot airplane. Plus, it was a lifesaver during naps, helping keep him comfortable and cool.

4. Flight Toys and Snacks: Flying with an infant doesn’t have to be stressful if you have a few distractions ready. I packed a few simple toys, like a teething ring and small soft toys, to keep my baby entertained during the flight. I also made sure to pack some snacks (for me, too!). Healthy options like fruit pouches and crackers were a hit, and they kept my baby happy when he wasn’t napping or looking out the window. A snack cup like the Munchkin Snack Catcher worked wonders for keeping the mess to a minimum.

5. Disposable Bibs and Tray Mats: Traveling with an infant often means messes, and a lot of them! Depending on your baby’s age, you might need to bring some of these! I found that disposable bins and tray mats were perfect for keeping things clean during meals and snacks. These items were lifesavers during restaurant meals. They are easy to pack and compact.

Common Mistakes to Avoid when Traveling with a Baby

When traveling with a baby, it can be challenging to plan for every situation. As a first-time traveler with an infant, I learned a lot along the way. Here are some common mistakes parents should avoid ensuring smoother, less stressful trips with their little ones:

1. Overpacking

It's tempting to pack everything "just in case," but overpacking can quickly become overwhelming. While it's important to bring all the essentials, try to limit the number of unnecessary items. Only pack what your baby needs for the trip, like diapers, wipes, a few outfits, and some toys or distractions.

Tip: Think about what you can buy at your destination and what will truly be necessary.

2. Forgetting Baby Essentials for the Journey

When you're planning the trip, it's easy to forget key items that will make travel easier, such as snacks, travel bottles, pacifiers, or baby wipes. Missing these essentials can add stress during long flights or car rides.

Tip: Create a checklist in advance and double-check before you leave to ensure you don’t forget anything important.

3. Not Preparing for the Unexpected

Traveling with a baby means you need to be ready for the unexpected—like a sudden diaper blowout or a fussy baby who refuses to nap. Don’t just plan for the perfect trip; anticipate challenges and prepare for them.

Tip: Pack extra clothes for both you and the baby, bring plenty of diapers, and always have a backup plan for baby snacks, bottles, or toys to keep them entertained.

4. Ignoring Baby’s Sleep Schedule

While it’s not always easy to stick to a baby’s usual sleep routine while traveling, it's a mistake to completely disregard it. Babies thrive on consistency, and changing their sleep schedule drastically can lead to more crankiness and less rest for everyone.

Tip: Try to adjust your baby's sleep routine gradually a few days before traveling, and create a familiar sleep environment (blanket, favorite stuffed animal) to make bedtime easier.

5. Not Booking Baby-Friendly Accommodations

Not all hotels, rental homes, or resorts are baby-friendly. Some might lack essential baby gear, like cribs or highchairs, while others may not be equipped for handling infants comfortably.

Tip: Always check the amenities and child-friendly policies before booking accommodations. Make sure your baby will have a safe, comfortable place to sleep and play.

6. Relying Too Much on Baby Gear

It’s easy to over-pack baby gear, thinking that you’ll need it all. You might end up hauling around a stroller, travel crib, car seat, and more when you might be able to rent or buy the essentials at your destination.

Tip: Look for baby-friendly rentals at your destination or call ahead to see if they offer baby gear for use during your stay.

7. Not Allowing Extra Time

When traveling with a baby, everything takes longer—whether it's getting through security at the airport or just taking a break to nurse or change a diaper. Planning your itinerary with more time between activities can prevent stress.

Tip: Build in extra time for breaks, naps, and diaper changes. This will help you avoid rushing and keep your baby happy.

8. Not Considering Baby’s Comfort

Travel can be uncomfortable for a baby, especially during long flights or car rides. Forgetting to bring a stroller fan, an extra blanket, or a comfortable carrier can make things worse.

Tip: Pack comfort items like a favorite blanket, baby carrier, and travel fan to make your baby as comfortable as possible during the journey.

9. Not Checking Travel Regulations

Different airlines and travel destinations have varying rules and regulations for traveling with infants, such as carry-on limits, stroller policies, and seat options. Failing to check these can lead to confusion or even denied boarding.

Tip: Research your airline’s infant policies in advance and be sure to check the regulations at your destination so you’re fully prepared.

10. Forgetting About Yourself

As parents, we often focus so much on the baby’s needs that we forget our own. Not bringing enough snacks, hydration, or items to keep we comfortable can lead to exhaustion and frustration, making it harder to care for your baby.

Tip: Pack snacks, water, and something to keep yourself entertained (like a book or music) for the journey. You’ll feel better and be more able to care for your baby when you're in a good mood.

Traveling with a baby is a wonderful experience, but it's important to plan ahead and avoid these common mistakes. By being prepared, adjusting expectations, and keeping things simple, you'll be able to enjoy your trip while making sure your baby is comfortable, safe, and happy.

Remember, travel with a baby doesn’t have to be stressful—it just requires a little extra planning and flexibility. Happy travels!

The key takeaway? Don't stress over buying everything on the “must-have” list for traveling with an infant. You can totally skip the noise-cancelling earmuffs and the sling carrier if they don’t fit your style. Instead, focus on the essentials that will make your life easier—like a compact stroller, baby carrier, stroller fan, and a solid stash of snacks and toys.

Planning a trip with a baby may seem daunting, but with the right gear (and a few realistic expectations), you can have a smooth and stress-free journey. And remember, sometimes less is more when it comes to packing!

Happy travels!